TY  - JOUR
T1  - Core Outcomes for Bereavement Interventions in Palliative Care: The Role of Coping and Well-Being
A1  - Luc Van Liedekerke
A1  - Thierry Hance
JF  - Journal of Integrative Nursing and Palliative Care
JO  - J Integr Nurs Palliat Care
SN  - 3006-5550
Y1  - 2020
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.51847/qoZrCwLSXZ
SP  - 31
EP  - 45
N2  - Providing support for bereaved individuals is a central element of palliative care. Yet, research in this field is hindered by variability in outcome measures, which makes it difficult to compare the effectiveness of different support programs and service models. Core Outcome Sets (COS) define a standardized set of outcomes that should be assessed in studies of particular services or health conditions. This study aimed to develop a COS for evaluating adult bereavement support in palliative care, drawing on the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. A preliminary set of potential outcomes was compiled through a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies on bereavement support. An expert workshop with 21 stakeholders was conducted to discuss which outcomes were most critical and to evaluate and refine the literature-derived list. Insights from this workshop informed a two-round international DELPHI survey involving 240 participants, designed to establish consensus on essential outcomes and dimensions. Subsequently, a consensus meeting with 23 participants was held to rank and validate the prioritization of outcomes, followed by a final feedback session to confirm the selection. Two outcomes were ultimately identified as core: ‘Grief coping ability’ and ‘Mental well-being and quality of life’. In addition, 21 dimensions were defined to assess these outcomes in detail. Coping-related dimensions were grouped into five categories: overwhelming or negative grief, communication and connectedness, understanding and meaning-making, balancing grief with ongoing life, and access to appropriate support. Dimensions pertaining to mental well-being and quality of life were categorized as participation in work or daily activities, social and relational functioning, positive mental states, and negative emotional states. This COS offers a structured framework for both research and practice in bereavement care, supporting consistent evaluation while incorporating resilience- and public health-oriented approaches. Future work will focus on developing specific measures aligned with this COS, facilitating standardized assessment and enabling comparison across bereavement services and interventions.
UR  - https://journalinpc.com/article/core-outcomes-for-bereavement-interventions-in-palliative-care-the-role-of-coping-and-well-being-pcl7wgllxaqc9uq
ER  -